
Purpose: This study examines the associations between digital literacy, financial inclusion, digital infrastructure, and gender-related constraints and entrepreneurial performance in marginalised communities in South-South Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional survey of 380 entrepreneurs across six states was conducted using structured questionnaires. Multi-item Likert scales measured digital literacy, financial inclusion, digital infrastructure, gender-related constraints, and entrepreneurial performance. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression were used to assess the relationships among the variables while controlling entrepreneur and firm characteristics. Findings: Digital literacy, financial inclusion, and digital infrastructure are positively and significantly associated with entrepreneurial performance. Financial inclusion exhibits the strongest association. Gender-related constraints are negatively associated with performance, indicating that perceived structural barriers remain relevant even when digital and financial resources are present. Practical implications: The findings suggest that policies aimed at strengthening digital skills, expanding responsible financial inclusion, and improving digital infrastructure may support entrepreneurial outcomes in marginalised communities. Efforts to address persistent gender-related barriers remain important for ensuring inclusive digital entrepreneurship. Originality/value: The study provides large-scale quantitative evidence from an under-researched sub-national region of Nigeria, applying established digital entrepreneurship constructs to a marginalised context and offering context-specific insights for policy and practice.
Digital literacy, financial inclusion, digital infrastructure, gender related constraints, entrepreneurial performance, innovation and digital entrepreneurship
Digital literacy, financial inclusion, digital infrastructure, gender related constraints, entrepreneurial performance, innovation and digital entrepreneurship
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